SOLON- On Friday, the Solon boys’ varsity and JV golf teams competed in its annual invitational at Lake MacBride Golf Course. The tournament consisted of 10 other area teams, ranging from Independence and West Delaware to Williamsburg and Durant schools.
The weather proved to be disagreeable with the noon tee-time as the cold had set in and the rain was soon to come. As the wind rolled steadily over the hills of the 9-hole course, Friday’s golfers were in for a true, hard-fought golf battle.
For Solon’s senior golfer Isaiah Zoske, though, there was nothing standing between the ball and the hole. After last year’s end to the season was soured by poor weather, Friday’s conditions were no match for Zoske’s determination, setting the tone for the tournament swing after swing.
After shooting par through the first eight holes and birdieing the ninth, it was clear that Zoske felt he had something to prove. He maintained his humble composure all throughout play, describing his performance:
“It was alright,” Zoske said. “I definitely made a lot more mistakes than I needed to, but overall, I think it was an ok day.”
Solon ended the day shooting 308 through 18 holes, winning the tournament by just beating out West Delaware’s score of 310 and Independence’s 313. Zoske led the Spartans, shooting 73 through 18 holes. Freshman golfer Ryder Laing followed close behind, shooting 76, and coming in third place in the individual standings.
After losing a sizable portion of his team, longtime Spartan coach Adam Stahle didn’t know what to think coming into this season but explained how he was delighted to see some young guys step up.
“They exceeded my expectations,” Stahle said. “I was very, very pleased and excited and happy for the kids with the way they played.”
Monday’s dual meet against Mount Vernon was no different. As the wind and cold persisted, the Spartans topped the leaderboard once again, shooting 157, and beating the Mustangs, who shot 170.
Zoske remained even through 18 (36), placing first, while Junior golfer Tyler Greazel placed second, shooting 2 over par (38). Junior Nick Stahle came in at fourth place, shooting 40, and Nolan Seagren and Ryder Laing both shot 43, coming in at sixth and seventh places, respectively.
Zoske continues his early season dominance, but in his eyes, the fight has just begun, especially when looking to a tough course event in the Pella Invite this Thursday.
“It’s a whole mental thing, you just got to change the strategy. I think I’ll be ready for it,” Zoske said.
Stahle reflected on Zoske’s impact, not just on the course, but with his teammates too.
“All I can say is he’s special, and I’m not just talking about his golf game.” Stahle said. “I think his results speak for itself, but what I’m talking about is he’s a good kid. He’s a kid that loves golf and likes to share that love with anybody that’s willing to listen and he’s done a really good job… teaching them through and just showing them what’s going on.”